Marc Guehi to Liverpool transfer latest as Arne Slot makes fresh call amid clear club stance
Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Mirror or go back to LFC Live.
Daily Mirror IconSportFootballLiverpool FCPremier League champions Liverpool could be tempted to dip into the transfer market next month after suffering two long-term injuries in the first half of the seasonLiverpool's defence of their Premier League title hasn't exactly gone as planned, with the Reds currently lagging behind leaders Arsenal by 10 points as we head into the festive fixtures.A dreadful run of results - which saw them lose nine out of 12 matches across all competitions - marked the club's worst form in over 70 years. However, beleaguered Arne Slot has now managed to stabilise the situation and guide his team back to victory.The recent triumph over Tottenham propelled the Reds back up to fifth in the table - just outside the Champions League qualification spots on goal difference alone - but the win came at a price.Alexander Isak sustained a broken leg following a hefty challenge from Micky van de Ven while netting Liverpool's first goal, and the Premier League's record signing is facing an extended period on the side-lines.
Limited resources may force Slot to make an unexpected foray into the transfer market this January, and there are a few updates on big names that have already been linked with a move to Anfield.Liverpool's long-term defensive target Marc Guehi, who nearly joined the Reds on summer transfer Deadline Day only for the deal to fall through at the last minute, is a key subject. The England international stayed put at Crystal Palace, but his contract expires at the end of the season.While Liverpool could theoretically secure him on a free transfer next summer, Guehi is free to negotiate with foreign clubs from next month, raising the possibility of one of Europe's elite clubs swooping in before Slot.
Potential suitors include European heavyweights Barcelona; however, recent reports from Spain suggest that a potential move to Catalonia may have cooled off.According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona have held discussions with representatives of the Crystal Palace and England star, but have backed off due to the financial implications involved in signing the 25-year-old.Meanwhile, Liverpool's interest in AFC Bournemouth star man Antoine Semenyo appears to have fizzled out, with the highly-rated Ghana international - once viewed as a potential long-term successor to Salah - seemingly leaning towards a move to Manchester City.However, CaughtOffside reports that as a result, the Reds have now shifted their focus to 23-year-old PSG and France winger Bradley Barcola.Liverpool have one more Premier League match to fulfil at home to Wolves on Saturday, 27 December, before the January transfer window swings open for business on New Year's Day. Slot must decide whether or not he needs to dip his toe back in the market to try and get the Reds' faltering campaign back on track or to keep faith with the substantial player investment that was made right after lifting their 20th English league title.